By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA – Rebounding from a frustrating loss to the Washington Nationals yesterday, our Seattle Mariners defeated the American League Central leading Cleveland Guardians. Seattle used a Mitch Haniger first inning homer, a quality start by Marco Gonzales, and some shutdown innings by “Los Bomberos” (The firemen, the nickname for the Mariners bullpen) to win game one of four against Cleveland.
Mitch Haniger rounds the bases after his homer, as Jesse Winker celebrates with him (Photo by Ike Everard)
Mitch continues to mash
Mariners right fielder Mitch Haniger has been flat out excellent for Seattle since his return from the injured list, defensively, but mainly offensively. Haniger has hit safely in 18 of 19 games and driving in seven runs. The right fielders three run blast in the first inning off of Triston McKenzie would give Seattle a lead that they would never relinquish.
Hanigers presence in right field and at the plate have been a big help to Seattle, and he has been about the most reliable Mariner bat since his return. With players like Justin Upton, Jake Lamb, and Dylan Moore rotating in and out of the right field spot, Seattle craved a reliable player there. With Haniger back, they have that and Seattle should soon look to extend him.
Marco Gonzales pitched a quality start for Seattle (Photo by Ike Everard)
Marco maneuvers past tough first inning for quality start
Seattle starter Marco Gonzales had a tough first inning, and it may have seemed early on that the Gonzaga graduate could have another poor outing. Considering that since July 14th, Gonzales has had four starts allowing five or more runs, that thinking wasn’t without reason. Gonzales was able to settle in, allowing only one hit after the first inning and giving Seattle six solid innings.
Gonzales led this ballclub in quality starts at a point in time this season, before hitting that aforementioned period of time where he really struggled in some outings. The major strength of this Seattle team has been its pitching, starters and bullpen combined, and that pitching will be what leads the Mariners to the postseason.
Ty France was injured in the game (Photo by Ike Everard)
Offensive issues remain in win
While the win is the most important factor here, Seattles offensive issues remain. Outside of the first inning, the Mariners failed to score any runs and logged a measly four hits. Again, I must reiterate, that this sort of offensive flailing will only harm you going forward. The Mariner bats must wake up and find some sort of groove, and they took a hit today when first baseman Ty France left the game with a right calf bruise.
Flame throwing reliever Andres Munoz recorded the save today (Photo by Ike Everard)
Quick notes
Seattle reliever Andres Munoz is tied for the most 3+ strikeout relief appearances in franchise history in a season with 17
The pitcher that he is tied with is Bill Caudill (1982)
Mariners first baseman Ty France left today’s ballgame with a right calf bruise. His status going forward is currently unknown.
The Mariners are the only team to roster five relievers with 50+ strikeouts this season
Those pitches are Penn Murfee, Andres Munoz, Paul Sewald, Matt Festa, and Erik Swanson)
The Mariners dance after the win (Photo by Ike Everard)
What’s next?
Game two of this crucial series against the Guardians is tomorrow, August 26th, with a first pitch time of 7:10PM PST. Seattle plays their first game of “Ichiro weekend,” as the legendary Mariners right fielder will be inducted into the team's hall of fame on Saturday.
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